Waterbury evening Democrat., 1887-12-22
THE COMMANDER'S REPLY ]!
HE CLAIMS THAT RUM WAS USED
 TO INFLUENCE VOTES.

Row in the State Camp of the G. A. R.
 Great Excitement Among the veter-
 ans-John N. Wheeler's Reply to Conn
 rade Grubb.
 TRENTON, N. J., Dec. .2.-The Daily En- terprise of Burlington publishes q three column letter over the signature of John N. Wheeler, commander of the department of New Jersey, Grand Army of the E public. The letter is an answer to card published week ago by Gen. E. Burd Grubb, who se- verely criticised the conduct of the com rades at the last state encampment, and what was printed has caused bitter feel ing throughout the department. Comman- der Wheeler in his published communication gives some information in reference to the the charges against Gen. Grubb caused in- tense excitement. The following are some of the extracts from Col Wheeler's commu- nication:
 "Comrade Grubb remarks at the outset of his card that there will be no such contest as occurred last year at Trenton, at least so far as I (Comrade Grubb) am concerned Every comrade of this department who has any love for the organization will be deeply gratified to know that Comrade Grubb has decided to abandon the methods of election eering adopted by himself and his friends last year, when band of music, free rum, free transportation, free rations and free lodgings were, for the first time in the history of the depar tment, used to win votes for a candidate for the conmandership. Comrade Grubb further remarks in his card: : I have no more doubt of my ability to serve them (the soldier>) than have of my willingness to do so.' While there may be no doubt of Comrado Grubb's ability to serve the department, there is very decided doubt as to his willingness to do so.
 Immediately upon the adjournment of the department encampment last February sent Comrade Grubb's name to the com mander-in- chief, with the request that he appoint him an aide de camp on the national staff. The appointment was made, but whether Comrade Grubb accepted it or not 6 not known at these headq iarters. He has never filled the position or acknowledged the appointments. There is not on record single instance where Comrade Grubb has shown the slightest inclination to mix with his comrades and become an active and useful member of the department. This would seem to indicate that there is some unwil- lingness on the part of Comrade Grubb to serve the veterans. When the department was about to fall to pieces and go out of existence under a load of debt, AOuF yours dSO, "ueA l1 uoeueu every friend it ever had, why did not Comrade Grubb come to the rescue to serve the vet eranss Why was his post one of the very few which refused to give one single cent to- ward paying the department debta Not withstanding this fact, this same post was able to raise fund last year to pay the ex- penses of delegates to the department and for their entertainment when the circulars of Post No. 21 went out announcing that all :, fares would be refunded and the comrades entertained.
 'tThe funds in the treasury of Joseph Rid way Post, No. 211 were only $l50. The total expense for the fares of the 100 delegates was $1 200. This was paid by Post 21 with $50 in the treasury.
 "It was understood, to say the least, that the delegates would voto for the post candi- date. There was open house at the Trenton house. All comrades were ushered into the presence of Comrade Grubb, who conde- scended to be introduced to them. Upon this occasion whisky. beer and other intoxi- cants were freely dealt out to all who would partake. Rum was what Comrade Grubb called it when ordering fresh supplies. The ,ffer to refund the fares was disgraceful efort to influence votes for Comrade Grubb. D